Claire Newby

Claire Newby

SaLT

Post Graduate Diploma in Speech & Language Therapy

Hello, my name is Claire.

I studied Speech and Language Therapy at City University London and qualified with a Postgraduate Diploma in 2016. I also have a BA Hons Degree in Drama and English.

I’ve worked for Words First since I qualified and feel lucky to have had the opportunity to progress alongside the company’s own development. I am currently a Clinical Specialist for Mainstream Secondary, mostly in secondary schools but also in primary settings. My role also includes training and supervision responsibilities.

Before retraining as a SaLT, I worked in theatre managing creative projects for young people and running youth theatre groups. I now enjoy bringing both careers together by using elements of drama work into my Speech and Language therapy.

Throughout both of my careers I have been passionate about working with young people to help them be the best they can be. I enjoy working with my schools and feel lucky that I get to be part of several great teams; the one at Words First and those at my schools.

The best part of working with Words First is the fantastic group of therapists I get to work alongside who are always available to provide encouragement and guidance. I also love the supervision element of my role, being part of my supervisees’ development and creating a relationship where we have all been able to reflect, and in doing so develop our practice together.

In my spare time I love to dance, I’ve been taking ballroom and Latin classes for a while now. I’m not sure I’m destined for Strictly Come Dancing anytime soon, but I really enjoy learning the steps and technique.

Reading is also a hobby I love to find time for and is something I’ve loved since I was a child. I can’t name just one book that had a big influence on me, but as a child I loved reading Roald Dahl. My favourite was Fantastic Mr Fox; I lost count of the number of times I read that book. I think the description of the underground world the animal characters created really sparked my imagination.